Florist Questions

You guys have been a great resource for me before, so here I am again.

What sorts of questions should we be asking potential florists?

First I made a list of all my flower needs.
How many BM bouquets, mother flowers, bots (inc. dads and grandfathers), coursages for grandmothers/great aunts/other special people, approx. how many tables will you have, do you want low centerpieces, candles/no-candles, high centerpieces, church/ceremony arrangments, pew bows/bouquets, special flowers for the venue (such as a fireplace arrangment, or a basket for the bathrooms) Also what type of bouquets do you want; hand-tied, small, large, casades etc..
Without a list it makes it very hard to discuss your needs. Figuring everything out on the spot is difficult and you can easily miss stuff.
Questions:
-Do they know your venue, your church? That helps because they know how to work with the hall and what the tables are like, etc..
-What is included in the price they are giving you?
-What flexiablity do you have in regards to making changes? My flower ideas have changed a lot over the 1 1/2 I have been engaged.
-Must you use in-season flowers only?
-Will you be given a sample bouquet, a sample centerpiece PRIOR to the wedding?
-Set up and delivery fees? What time wil your flowers arrive to each location?
-Do you have to make EVERY decision right now or can they give you a more 'open' price for the items.

Honestly my ideas went from Fall flowers to all roses over the last few months. I booked Burton's so ithe price doesn't change at all, he charges by item type, not flower type. But at other florists I met with this would have been a huge issue. Things to consider.

Here use this pdf file and print it out and take it with you hun!!

click me!

i had the same question...
really helpful, once again! thanks!

Ask your florists how they price their services - beware of florists that charge different prices for different flowers.
You should be charged flat rates by item and size. For example, a bridal bouquet, centerpiece, boutinerre, flower girl basket, grandparent coursage, etc should all be a set price, and then you can pick whatever flowers your heart desires (bearing in mind whatever is in season). Off-season flowers could cost you more, but I am not sure that is avoidable.

Ask about delivery and set-up fees, samples to see before the wedding, and how many weddings they contract for in a single day. You don't want your florist to be so busy that they forget something you wanted, or put your flowers together days in advance b/c they are so busy.
A friend of mine was in tears on her wedding day b/c the florist was wrapping ribbons around the stems of her BM bouquets in the van while it was parked in her parents' driveway!

Thanks ladies - you are the BEST! (As usual!)